California Smog Question- Visual Inspection?

Question

Hi, I have a 1977 Dodge Van b200 (automatic) series. I went to get it smogged and it failed the visual inspection. (Actually it failed alot more then that and got gross polluter, oops.....I found one of the plugs wasn't sparking, aw well, live and learn).
The folks at the shop were in a hurry and had no desire to answer my questions about the visual inspection notes.

I just was looking for more detail about their report on the visual inspection.

Can anyone interpret this:

Dashpot appears to be missing

Air intake disconnected from solenoid

Carb appears to be replaced (I know what this means, hehe)

I was looking through my Chiltons and it seemed to indicate that a dashpot is for a manual van, but considering I have no idea what this is......

Any suggestion for a lay-person-wanna-be mechanic-working
on-my-own-van type?

Thanks a bunch!

Answer 1

If the carb was replaced, it is required by California Air Resources Board (CARB) to be replaced with either the exact replacement, or if unavailable, with a replacement approved by the CARB.
This can get to be a very complex and frustrating experience. There is a number that you can call for obsolete parts, (1 [phone]) but you have to exhaust ALL other avenues before using the locator.
As far as the need for a dash-pot, I believe that it is original equipment for both auto and manual.
Look at the Vehicle Emissions Control Information (VECI) label on the underside of your hood. It will show you all of the equipment from the A.I.R. system to the PCV valve, and the vacuum routing for each device.
It will show you all of the little control devices as well, and how they are connected.
If the label is missing, go to the library and secure the manual for the correct year, model, engine and certification (California or Federal) and use it as a guide for your repair.
When you have repaired and connected all of the devices correctly, and made all the repairs necessary to correct the GROSS POLLUTER status, call 1 [phone] and make an appointment with a referee for clarification concerning any questions left, including the acceptability of the carburetor. He will also make a ruling concerning any other missing or modified equipment. If all is correct and acceptable, he can run the emissions test again and clear the GP (if it passes) and issue your certificate.

Good Luck

Answer 2

Dashpot = A little vacuum solenoid that keeps the carburator throttle butterfly from closing too fast

Air intake disconnected = There's a flexible rigid hose that goes down to the exhaust manifold to allow the intake to draw hot air durring warmup. That connects to the intake pipe at the lower air filter housing. That tube has a solenoid\flapper that dirrects the air flow, which is supose to have a vaccum line hooked up to it underneath. Which in turn is controlled by a temperature sensing valve in the inside of the air filter housing, which in turn is connected to the carburator ventury vacuum line.